Topaz: I downloaded a trial version. How good are these plug inns ? I ask because it seems I am missing to do something. I tried the ReStyle that has a lot of presets but most of them...

marthamcc

I downloaded a trial version.

How good are these plug inns ? I ask because it seems I am missing to do something. I tried the ReStyle that has a lot of presets but most of them look awkward to me.

I think the Impression is useful for wall hangers.

What are you using most with great results?

grusum

I haven't used any of my Topaz plug ins since I become more adapt at using LR and PS.

Personal opinion is that they accomplish edits to a photo without having to know intimate details of how to use LR or PS.

Once you become more proficient with your software chances are you will no longer need the plugins.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

marthamcc wrote:

I downloaded a trial version.

How good are these plug inns ? I ask because it seems I am missing to do something. I tried the ReStyle that has a lot of presets but most of them look awkward to me.

I think the Impression is useful for wall hangers.

What are you using most with great results?

I have a bunch of Topaz plugins and find that for the most part I use Adjust and Denoise. Lately I have spent some time using Remask too.

Denoise is really good from what I see.

Remask is great for a quick mask, like to replace a background.

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Dngallagher wrote:

I have a bunch of Topaz plugins and find that for the most part I use Adjust and Denoise. Lately I have spent some time using Remask too.

Denoise is really good from what I see.

Remask is great for a quick mask, like to replace a background.

:thumbup:

marthamcc

Thanks! I have not tried Remask, I will. Certainly it is a quite expensive addition if on buys all of them.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

marthamcc wrote:

I downloaded a trial version.

How good are these plug inns ? I ask because it seems I am missing to do something. I tried the ReStyle that has a lot of presets but most of them look awkward to me.

I think the Impression is useful for wall hangers.

What are you using most with great results?

I use Adjust most, usually to get a particular effect then apply it at a reduced opacity to its original image so it doesn't go too far. I use Clarity sometimes to liven up an image I'm already pretty happy with. I love Restyle but it takes some work to figure out how to manage it. "Awkward" is a kind word for what it does if left unbridled- it goes completely crazy. But with practice it can do things nothing else does to revive a photo with weak colors and/or weak light.

That said, I find the Topaz offerings a bit pricey and some parts of the suite are redundant. I prefer the NIK suite which is to me better integrated and is surely a lot cheaper. I also like the MacPhun suite but it is Mac only, also cheaper.

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Here is an example of Re-mask.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

marthamcc wrote:

Thanks! I have not tried Remask, I will. Certainly it is a quite expensive addition if on buys all of them.

Yes, however they have sales where they will sell a bundle of the plugins for a special price - can be quite a good deal! I got most of mine that way ;)

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

minniev wrote:

I use Adjust most, usually to get a particular eff... (show quote)

Minnie - I agree with you about the cost issue, however so far I've purchased only one Topaz offering - B&W Effects 2, and I did find it useful. If I were to purchase more, I might try Adjust and Clarity. Together they would cost less than the Nik suite which is currently available only in an all-or-nothing package. I've tried MacPhun, but wound up seriously disappointed with their customer service. Many post-processing products and add-ins are not Mac-compatible and, since Mac is what I use, they lose my business. I also agree with others posting to this thread that the more skilled we become using LR the less we may eventually need add-in products.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

rjaywallace wrote:

Minnie - I agree with you about the cost issue, ho... (show quote)

I'm a software geek, so I collect 'em. I found Macphun very responsive to some initial problems I had, and really like their products - the new noise control software is the best I've found for my camera's files.

I tend to use the plugins as a part of a layered workflow, with a fair amount of masking involved. I seldom see a way to use a plugin straight from the original file and unmitigated.

Another interesting offering is the On One suite, which is very robust and offers unlimited layering. It is sort of like having NIK or Topaz plus Photoshop all wrapped up together. I'm still learning it but it has great promise. For folks who just want to get started with plugins, their free version of Perfect Effects is a fun way to test the water.

marthamcc

Thank you!

I'll use the plug inns for a while and decide about which ones if any I buy.

The comments here seem to indicate that the full price for all of them is not worth, something I was guessing from my short time of use.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

I would have advise getting Topaz Adjust first.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

The new Glow is cool!

Pandylou Loc: The Levant

I regularly use Topaz photoFXLab (standalone) which I bought with all the plugins as a bundle. I also use the NIK bundle and Tiffen dfx. Each package has its strengths, and I have become accustomed to using whichever best suits my needs. (horses for courses)......

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

I use topaz frequently, but just in the process, use ps more. The one I use most often is the de-noise. It's the best I've found for final reduction of noise. I also frequently use the Detail 2, macro contrast details. It works great with animal hair and the like. Really sharpens the details. I purchased the entire bundle a few years ago at a conference when they were selling it at special price.